When you’ve decided that you’d like to foster, there are a few things you’ll have to do before bringing home your foster kitten or kittens. Here are a few steps you’ll need to take in order to find foster kittens.
- Preparing Your Home. Create a dedicated kitten space. Keep your foster kitten separate from any other pets you have. They will need a shallow litter box, blankets, and a small heating pad. Keep it clean and sanitized. Use materials that can easily be cleaned. Make it warm and cozy. Use a heating pad and baby blankets.
- Finding a Kitten to Foster. Local shelters. Most shelters are overpopulated and always in search of foster homes. Rescue groups.If your local shelter doesn’t have a foster program, search for a rescue group.These groups adopt at risk kittens from local shelters, and they can only take on more cases when people are willing to foster. Stray kittens. Kittens should only be taken in from outside if they have no mother taking care of them.Kittens without mothers will cry and be skinny.
- Bringing Home Your Kitten. Feed them. Young kittens will have to be bottle fed, but kittens over 4 weeks can eat wet food.Provide older kittens with fresh water. Introduce the litter box. Kittens above3 weeks should be put in the litter box after feeding to get them used to using it. Show them a cozy spot. Introduce the kitten to a spot where they can be warm and comfortable. This place should have a covered heating pad and baby blankets.
- Getting Your Kitten on a Routine. Feeding. Young kittens will need to be fed every few hours, and even older kittens will need to eat a few times a day. Using the litter box. While kittens are litter box training, be sure to put them in the litter box after meals.
- Veterinary Care. Vaccines. Kittens will need various vaccines at different ages. Consult with a vet to schedule vaccinations.Flea treatment. Kittens younger than 6 weeks shouldn’t be given chemical flea treatments, instead they should be bathed with a gentle dish soap if there are any signs of fleas. Spay/Neuter. Schedule your kitten to be spayed or neutered when they are 2 months old and 2 pounds.
- Advertising Your Kitten. Take lots of pictures.Use natural light and try to use a professional camera rather than a cell phone if possible. Start early. Don’t wait to post pictures of your kitten until they’re old enough to be adopted; post pictures of their milestones from the day you get them. Use multiple platforms. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are handy, but be sure to post flyers in local shops and businesses as well.
- Adoption. Find the right adopter. Make sure the adopter is prepared for the commitment of having a cat. Find out if they have any other pets or small children. Finalize the adoption. Formulate a contract with the adopter. An adoption fee of $75 to $100 is also common to make up for the cost of the kitten’s care. Say goodbye. Give the adopter your contact info and let them know that you’re always there for help and updates on the kitten.
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